Iran unveils new advanced longer-range ballistic missile

The high standard performance of the domestic systems mounted on the new missile has been confirmed in previous test-fires.

The missile was displayed as part of Defence Industry Day, an annual event that showcases Iran’s hardware.

The Iranian President Hassan Rouhani attended a ceremony on Saturday to unveil the “Fateh-313” missile, which operates on composite solid fuel and is said to be more accurate in pinpointing targets within a range of 500 kilometers.

The announcement comes weeks after Iran and world powers reached a deal requiring Tehran to limit its nuclear programme in return for the West easing economic sanctions.

Iran has repeatedly said its military might poses no threat to other countries, insisting that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.

The resolution also contains an arms embargo against Iran for the next eight years, but it’s not part of the historic nuclear deal. “And we will sell weapons to anywhere we deem necessary”, he said in comments broadcast live on state television Saturday.

313 ballistic missile has a 500-kilometre (300 miles) range and features more advanced sensors and technology, according to Sepah News, the website of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards.

“A weak country incapable of confronting and defending against the military power of its neighbours and enemies can not claim to seek peace”, the president said in a televised speech, citing the need for diplomacy and military efforts to stand side by side.

Meanwhile, the British Foreign Secretary is to visit Iran this weekend as the UK reopens its embassy for the first time since it was attacked by a mob in 2011.

“The IRGC Aerospace Force will hold a large-scale ballistic missiles war-games soon”, Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said Friday while addressing a ceremony in the northern Iranian city of Qaemshahr, Fars News Agency reported.

Re-opening the embassy could unsettle British allies such as Saudi Arabia and Israel which have poor relations with Iran.